World Premiere for new Porsche 911 GT3

The new Porsche 911 GT3 to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28 sets a new benchmark for road-legal production sports cars with a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated engine. This uncompromised 911 sports coupe produces 305 kW of power for a specific output of 84.7 kW (115.3 bhp) per litre of displacement to create the new class benchmark. The 911 GT3 will be one of two star cars from Porsche at Geneva, with the 911 Turbo Coupe also making its World Premiere at the motor show.

In Porsche parlance, GT3 means pure, unadulterated driving enjoyment. This is a road car with race track appeal. The six-cylinder boxer engine reaches its nominal 305 kW output at 7,600 rpm, but revs freely to 8,400 rpm – 200 rpm higher than its predecessor.

In addition to this high engine speed concept, the optimised airflow rate considerably improves performance. This is achieved by the variable intake system with a throttle valve enlarged from 76 to 82 mm, the optimised cylinder heads and an exhaust system with low backpressure.

The revised six-speed transmission has very short gear throws, with the lower gear ratios from 2nd to 6th gear enhancing the racy nature o f the engine. New for the GT3 is a change-up display, which lights up on the rev counter shortly before the optimum time to change gear. The engine and gearbox harmony is proven with a zero to 100 km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds and zero to 160 km/h in 8.7 seconds on the GT3’s way to a 310 km/h top speed.

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is fitted standard for the first time on the new 911 GT3. The ‘normal’ PASM setting is ideal for driving on alternating road surfaces while the ‘sport’ mode switches to a firmer damping setup for even better dynamics on the race track.

For the best-possible delivery of engine power to the road, the GT3 is equipped with a comprehensive traction package; which includes not only the standard 19-inch sports tyres, but also a mechanical limited-slip differential. Additionally, the new electronic Traction Control – adapted from the Carrera GT ultra high-performance sports car – ensures safe traction under any driving conditions. It features tractionslip and drag-torque control functions, and can be switched off if required.

The new 911 GT3 goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2006. The basic Euro price for the 911 GT3 is 93,000 Euros. In Germany, it will be offered including sales tax and country-specific requirements for 108,083 Euros. In the USA, the new GT3 will be available in dealerships from August 2006 for US$106,000 (excluding tax).